Understanding the Benefits of PGD/PGS

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is designed to lower the risks of passing on certain genetic conditions and diseases. At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, we offer PGD and other preimplantation testing to ensure that patients receive the healthiest embryos during in vitro fertilization (IVF). PGD testing offers many benefits for patients who carry sex-linked genetic disorders, single gene and chromosomal disorders, and patients over the age of 35. This testing provides great insight into the health of individual embryos so that patients can increase their chances of conceiving and delivering a healthy baby. To learn more about the benefits of IVF, contact our Tarzana, CA-area practice today.

Testing for Genetic Abnormalities

PGD is designed to help patients who have known genetic abnormalities in their family line. This type of testing is commonly recommended for individuals and couples in which one or both partners have a high risk of passing on a genetic defect. PGD tests embryos for the presence of genes that cause:

Cystic Fibrosis

Tay Sachs

Myotonic Dystrophy

Muscular Dystrophy

Sickle Cell Anemia

Huntington's Disease

Hemophilia

Tay-Sachs Disease

And more

The main benefit of this type of diagnosis is to ensure that embryos with these genetic defects are not selected for implantation during IVF. Many of these conditions will lead to failed pregnancies, while others can result in severe disorders and disabilities in fetuses that survive pregnancy. PGD allows us to help patients select the most viable, healthiest embryos possible for IVF. Once we are able to analyze several embryos, PGD also gives us insight into why previous fertility treatments may have failed.

Sex Selection

Another benefit of PGD is that it allows our patients to choose the gender of their children if they want. By testing for the presence of the Y chromosome in an embryo, we can select whether patients have male or female embryos implanted. Not only does this allow patients to choose the gender of their child, but it also allows us to avoid choosing embryos that might suffer from sex-linked genetic diseases, like hemophilia.

The PGD Process

PGD is performed after the sperm and eggs have been joined in our laboratory. Multiple studies have shown that testing the cells of a newly formed embryo is completely safe for its future development. In essence, this type of testing is very similar to the prenatal testing that is performed on fetuses in utero, but it is much less invasive. It also allows patients the chance to ensure that they avoid serious and potentially fatal complications.

Additional Testing Options

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) is another common type of test that is often used during IVF. This type of screening ensures that embryos have the proper number of chromosomal pairs (23) and are free from structural abnormalities. PGS is commonly recommended for patients who are over the age of 35 or patients who have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss.

Learn More During a Consultation

At the Center for Fertility and Gynecology, our team has the tools you need to make informed decisions regarding your fertility and plans for a family. To learn more about PGD, PGS, and other testing we provide, contact the Center for Fertility and Gynecology today.